Multi-layer Golf Ball Core with Thermoplastic Intermediate Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf ball designs with multi-layer cores lack optimal combinations of materials and structures that balance hardness, compression, and durability, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of distance and control.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball design featuring a center formed from a thermoset rubber composition, an intermediate core layer made from a thermoplastic composition, and an outer core layer also formed from a thermoset rubber composition, with specific hardness and thickness ranges to enhance overall performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-layer core structure is used with different materials, then the coefficient of restitution and compression are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core is divided into three distinct layers: an inner thermoset rubber core, a middle thermoplastic layer, and an outer thermoset rubber layer. Each layer serves specific functional purposes - the thermoset rubber provides elasticity and compression characteristics, while the thermoplastic layer provides structural support and durability. This segmentation allows optimization of each layer's properties to achieve superior coefficient of restitution and compression performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining thermoset rubber and thermoplastic materials in a multi-layer configuration. The thermoset rubber layers provide elastic recovery and compression characteristics, while the thermoplastic intermediate layer provides structural integrity and durability. This composite approach enables the golf ball core to simultaneously achieve high coefficient of restitution and improved compression characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If the center hardness is increased to improve control, then the distance performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different hardness characteristics are assigned to different regions of the core. The inner thermoset rubber core maintains moderate hardness for optimal energy transfer and distance, while the outer thermoset rubber layer can be formulated with higher hardness to enhance control and spin characteristics. This local differentiation of material properties allows the golf ball to achieve both distance and control performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the hardness, composition, and thickness of each core layer. The thermoset rubber layers can be formulated with different durometer ratings and cross-linking densities to optimize the balance between distance and control. By adjusting these parameters across the different layers, the golf ball achieves optimal performance characteristics for both long-distance flight and controlled landing.
3Ease of operation
If a softer cover layer is used to improve feel, then the durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover layer is designed with localized quality variations, featuring a softer outer surface for improved feel and a tougher inner layer for enhanced durability. This gradient structure allows the cover to provide soft touch characteristics at the playing surface while maintaining structural integrity and resistance to wear and damage through the thickness of the cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is constructed as a composite structure combining materials with different properties - a softer outer material for feel and a tougher inner material for durability. This composite construction enables the cover to simultaneously deliver soft touch characteristics for improved feel and enhanced strength for durability, resolving the contradiction between these two performance requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer.